I couldn't ask for more...

Well, I am officially 26. Last year I had a hard time on my birthday. I just felt kinda blah about life. Don't get me wrong, I had a great birthday trip with fabulous people, but as a whole I was still figuring out life. Now, this does not mean i have it all figured out now... but I feel a big peace that I haven't felt in a long time. I had a full week of birthday celebrations and will have my last birthday dinner in a few nights. I won't complain about stretching it out over a couple weeks. Ha. My week started with dinner with my dad and a class party at work. My parents at work were so nice and surprised me with $100. I am very blessed to not only have a class full of kids that i really love, but some amazing parents.

The night before my birthday, me and Amy went to Evansville, IN to Casino Aztar. I had never been to one, and i really wanted to go and just see what it was all about. I set aside a small amount of money to just "try out" the different games. We both tried a slot machine first. I lost the few dollars i put in there, and we move on to a 2nd slot. After a couple dollars in, the unbelievable happened... i won... big...well, big for me. I won $1,079. I sat there in shock. I couldn't even tell Amy what was happening... i just kept pointing to the machine. Have no worries, i cashed out as soon as possible, and was content with those winnings. And also... no worries, i know this was just luck... I don't really have a huge desire to go back! But, it was fun for sure.



This is while the machine was going crazy. A genuine face.

On Friday, we headed back home. My sister was able to fly in from Chicago for the weekend and i was so excited to see her. Mom took the day off work and so i was able to have a birthday lunch with my family on my birthday. It was so fun to go back to my mom's house and share the stories from the night before... it gave us all lots of laughs! Thanks again for the lunch mom... it was great!

On Friday, i went out with my group of best friends. It was so much fun. We went a few different places and had a blast together. We stayed at a local hotel for the evening, and I have to admit that was my favorite part, just talking and laughing with my friends. It meant the world to me that they all spent my birthday night with me!



The girls

On Saturday, we went to a early lunch and then all headed home. I was glad to take a good nap! I spent the afternoon catching up with sister, mom and other "sister" Carrie. It was a great afternoon.  My mamaw then had family birthday dinner at her home. And afterwards, Mayer came home with me and spent the night. He is for sure my favorite 2 year old in the world! This completed a wonderful weekend!

Trying to wake up on Sunday morning





All that to say... As i went to bed on Sunday night I realized how blessed I am. I had a wonderful week where God reminded me of how much love and support I have in my life. And this year, it is nice to look back and see where God has brought me. There have many changes... good and bad, but in the end it is nice to have such peace and contentment about where He wants me to be. I can't wait to see where this next year takes me! It is exciting to think about!

I am thankful...

So, the trend on facebook this month has been to write something everyday that you are thankful for. I would forget 1/2 of the month to do that. So, i decided to just write a blog about some things... I am sure another one will follow with more on the list.

1. Amy. Wow, where to start. Honestly, this girl needs a blog post or two dedicated to her. She has been a best friend since, well... we were too young to remember. Right now, she is also my roommate. I love living with her. I tell people all the time when they ask how it is.. that it is effortless. We know each other like the back of our hands. I can take one look at her and know immediately if something is up. The same with her. There is nobody else that does the midnight sonic runs, walmart trips and late night back porch time quite as well as she does. I love that we know the advice that each other needs, and for the most part don't want to hear. (Taco Bell, line) Ha!

2. My friend's kids. These kiddos bring more enjoyment to my life than they know. I work with kids everyday... and don't get me wrong, I love those kids. But these kids are really my nieces and nephews. I love being Aunt Casey. Sleepovers with Mayer are the best, accidentally making Sophia scared by jumping out at her will always make me laugh and the times when Liam decides that i am semi normal, melts my heart. So, thanks to their moms and dads for bringing these precious kiddos into the world, and letting me play a small part in their lives. 

3. My family. I learn a lot from many different members in my family almost weekly. Sometimes, they are good things, and sometimes I learn from their experiences. I have honestly, just in the past few weeks learned a lot about my part in my family. I have always had the instinct to turn to friends first. Don't get me wrong, I talk to my family a lot... but I have always looked at friends as family also. I distance myself when things get hard, or I don't want to be apart of certain situations... But, over the past few weeks, it has really hit me upside the head that my family is just that... My Family. I am thankful that they have stuck with me, when I am sure I wasn't the easiest person to get along with.

So, for all this, and MUCH more. I am thankful. I really am a blessed girl!

Every once in a while...

Every once in a while, a friend comes along that changes your life. They are there for the big and small things. If you know me well, you know I love when friends just "check in" with me. I love when i can be myself 100% of the time and that is all that person expects. This friend is Jessica! We actually met a little over 7 years ago, but not until this summer did she become a best friend to me.

We constantly joke that the list of reasons why we are friends grows every day. I have decided to list as many reasons as i can think of for this post. I am sure this will not be as enjoyable for many people except us, but usually we are the only ones laughing at things anyway! Ha!

1. Our love/addiction for old country music. Usually from the late 80's and early 90's. We know every word to most every song... she knows way more than me. And we will be content forever, to sit in her backyard with the iPod blaring and us singing at the tops of our lungs til the early morning hours.

2. Our sarcastic natures. We can always find something to laugh about. I can't think of a time when i haven't almost been in tears because i was laughing so hard with Jess. It's a scary thing, but we have the same kind of humor. She makes my life much more fun...that is for sure.

3. Our need for planning out our days. She is obsessed with her calendar on her fridge and my planner is my bff. For instance, one night we were in the car on the way to her house. We mentioned possibly hanging out like 4 days later. Later on that night, i happened to pass her fridge and saw that she had already marked it on her calendar... i had to laugh because i too had put it in my planner.

4. Our love for random TV shows and movies. I always thought i had dreamt up a show from my childhood. I was always asking if anyone remember the show. "Under the Umbrella Tree". Everyone always looked at me like i was crazy when i would explain it. Guess who loved that show as a kid... Jess. We have many shows and movies in common from childhood to present. And we are both in love with our DVRs. It is only her that I can reminisce about old nickelodeon shows like "Are you afraid of the dark?.

5. On a more serious note. Her husband Ben and herself have welcomed me into their home many times a week for the past few months. I am not sure they will ever know how much their friendship means to me, and how much i cherish these times with them. They are some of the best people i know.They are THE BEST of all my friends for checking in with me, and asking me about "me".

6. She will kill me for this. But, one of my favorite memories with her, is when we sang karaoke. Jess can sing, even though she will tell you otherwise. That certain night brought about some of the best laughs I have ever had. I can't wait till we do it again!

There are many more and I could continue for a long time. But, I just want to say... Thanks Jess! For it all! I love you, friend!

Bless the man....

So, I live with one of my best friends, Amy. We are both 25 and both single. So, as you can imagine the topic of guys comes up a good amount in our conversations. Not just about guys we would like to date, but also guys we are friends with and our friends husbands. Don't worry, not in a freaky, "you should leave them and date me" kinda way!!! We just comment on traits we like, or hope our future husbands have one day. She said something a few weeks back that hasn't been able to get out of my head. (Sorry Amy for telling the few people who read my blog). She said that she is really happy in life. Great job, friends and family. She is at a good place. Whoever or whenever a guy shows up, he needs to add to that. Otherwise, she was doing OK without him. Now, this may seem like a easy statement to hear... but for me, it really got me thinking. In the past, I think I have focused so much on wanting someone to be in my life, that I have almost ignored who I really am, and also I forget how much God has already blessed me with. I need to stay content at where I am, and then see if God really has someone in mind for me. And when/if a man comes along... I need to be myself and see if he really enjoys who that is. Deep enough thoughts for a Morning?!?!

So, this brings me finally to the point of this post. I found a list on Pintrest, "I need someone who is prepared for...". I couldn't get over how accurate this was for me. So, of course I have to share the list and add my comments in.
 I need someone who is prepared for...
1. A million questions....  (But, please keep in mind I am only asking you these, because I really want you to ask me that question).
2. Uncontrollable laughter... (Bless, when i get really tickled it becomes the oddest cackle you will ever hear).
3. My family...(Again, another blog for another day. God bless your heart).
4. My appetite...(I believe in sonic runs at 11:48 at night with all my heart. Its never too late for a sweet peach tea. And I will NEVER like leftovers. Random, but these were the two things that came to mind).
5. Musical outbursts...(I will sing someones ear off. And when I take a road trip, just be prepared for music the entire way. And, sorry but it will all be soft rock or old country. My friends hate me sometimes for it. ha ha).
6.Random dancing...(I love to dance.... but i usually have to be pretty hyper for you to see all my amazing moves. Its  pretty awesome! ;-). ha)
7. My friends... (they are my family... their acceptance of someone will matter immensely to me)
8. Sad/Happy tears...(Well, i guess in this case, I need it to say mad tears. This is about the only time you will see me really cry. When someone has made me really mad, the tears flow).
9. Deep Talks...( And they will always be at the most random times. I don't always like opening up, so when I do, it will be random and not expected at all. And people.... at this point stop what you are doing and listen).
10. My imagination... ( This immediatly made me think of my future with my job. Like I mentioned in a previous post I have many dream jobs, and i will talk about them all the time. Just smile and nod your head in aggreance that I may one day do something....)
11. My dreams... same as above
12. Walks in the rain.... ( not so much walks in the rain, but i will be the first one out there to play in it).
13. Random text... (and please text back, or I will continue to check my phone every 2 minutes to see if I have missed a reply).
14. Useless Arguments... ( Now, I do not agree with it when people say, the woman is always right and men should just say "yes, dear". But, I really am right a good majority of the time.... or something like that).
15. Acceptance of the real me... (I think more than someone accepting me, I need to work on actually being the real me.)

Yes, random, pointless thoughts for the day! Maybe I should just print this out and hand it out on first dates... well, then there might not be any 2nd dates. Ha!!

Some things will never change.

So, we went to Indiana this past weekend for the last time! I will admit, I didn't realize how many things are in that town that I have huge memories of. Me and my sister took a big portion of the day on Saturday and drove around taking pictures. We did some really serious things but also took the time to enjoy the day and laugh a lot. I went to New Castle A LOT growing up. Not only did I go at the obvious Holiday times, but I also always spent a good portion of my summers there. I do think because of that, I have a strong feeling towards not only my grandparents, but also their home town. It is so fun to talk to them both about the upcoming move. They are like 2 kids in a candy store. Papaw freely admitted though, that he is positive he will cry a lot when pulling out of town for the last time.

I could go on and on and talk about the trip... I really had a good time. But instead I want to share a story...

We went to one of my favorite places, Memorial Park to take some pictures. While we were there, Teri, my sister and me, took a walk around to look at and comment on all the different toys we would climb/play on. We took some fun pictures and talked about how I always got stuck with the crappy toys nobody else wanted to use. At this park, there is a huge twisty slide. OK... I thought this thing was massive when I was a kid. I didn't go down it for years after all the other grandchildren had. Well, when we got to the park I noticed that it was still really big. The pictures really don't do justice. And also, keep in mind, I am very much so scared of heights. And, not like really tall places... I like hate climbing up bigger step ladders. I know... its sad! Ha. So i decide to climb halfway up the ladder and have sis take a funny picture. I get up there and literally start shaking. She takes a picture and then I realize I have to climb down. That took a few minutes to say the least.

We talk for a few minutes about how I wish I could go down the slide one more time. Teri finally convinces me to go for it. So, i climb back up, and this time I go all the way to the top. OK... people, I could barely stand. You would think I was 100 feet in the air or something. My body is about to fall out, and I start yelling to Teri. If you were there you would hear these phrases over and over again.. "SIS" "Sis, I can't do it" "I am gonna fall over the edge". "For real, how am I gonna get down" " OH MY WORD" "Its too big"... Poor Teri had to hear this for a good 5 minutes. Well, I finally decide to go down and I get around the first turn.... I look down and there stands a teenage boy. HE HAS BEEN RECORDING ME WITH HIS PHONE THIS ENTIRE TIME!! I turn the second loop and stop myself long enough to look at Teri and ask, "is he really recording me?". She says yes with a huge smile on her face and takes my picture. So, not only did that boy catch my crazy scared out of my mind moment... he caught a girl (who should not be trying to get herself down a little kids slide) flying down the slide, in a way I am sure was not my best moment. Needless to say, you may see me on YouTube or America's Funniest Videos.

I really wish these pictures showed how big the slide really is... But yes, i am a wimp. And I am totally fine with it.

I have this friend...

There are some friends that come into your life that change you as a person. I mean, I know everyone has some effect on you...but there are those few people that have a lasting impression on your life. I think that if you have a handful of those people that you should consider yourself really blessed. I am thankful to have many people that I call a "true friend". But, this post is about just 1 of those people...Lynsey. I know that she will hate this post and I will receive a call tomorrow talking about these pictures of her or something I have said... but oh well, get over it Lyns! Ha! We met in high school for a few different teen activities through our church denomination. We weren't too fond of each other...to put it nicely. I thought she was stuck up and she thought I was annoying. She will try to deny this... but she wears her true emotions all over her face. Then we both ended up at the same college...and wouldn't you know...we were suite mates. We ended up on the same traveling music group for our freshman year also... so we were just thrown into the same activities together. It was an instant friendship from that moment on.

There are few people that I remained friends with all 4 years in college. Friends came and went.. I changed a lot... But, through every year, there was Lyns. I ask her all the time why she stuck with me. I was a crazy girl and I am sure I took her down some crazy roads she would have never seen otherwise. She will NEVER understand how much her advice (loving and harsh), laughs, talks and tears meant to me at that time in life.

She got married right after college. This is a funny day to look back on. At that point, every friend of mine that got married fell into "the marriage trap". They became, to put lightly, sucky friends. They forgot all about other people and let friendships die off. Trust me, single people get this a lot. I cried the entire day... and i mean entire day. I was so worried that I was "losing" my best friend. Boy was i wrong. Lynsey has been a wonderful, faithful friend. Yes, it did change, as it should... but she has never made me feel weird for being single, or like I was not important in her life.

There are not many people that I am really honest with in my life. Lynsey is one of them though. We have a Monday night ritual of going to dinner or coffee. As i drove off tonight I couldn't help but thank God for putting her in my life. He knew that I needed that friendship. So, thanks friend for everything. The good, the bad and the ugly. You are an amazing friend, and I am privilaged to call you one of my best. 

I mean...seriously...how am I single?!?!

MOST of the time...I don't really care what people think about me. This can refer to really serious decisions in my life....that's another blog for another day, but it can also refer to "me just being me". You will always hear me say in a very sarcastic tone, "I mean, seriously, how am I single?". I am usually up for anything. I love making people laugh, and to be honest, I love being the center of attention(unless it is for something serious). Bless the man that decides to marry me one day.

 I am very blessed with a wonderful group of friends. Some I have literally known my entire life, and the others...well it feels like they have always been there. I recently told someone at work, I am so glad to be out of the stage where you worry about what everyone else thinks. Man, did that get me in trouble in high school (Again, another blog for another day). Ha. I would much rather enjoy life and have fun being silly and being who I am, then being miserable worried about other peoples thoughts. Just my random thought for the day! Enjoy the hideous, embarrassing photos...they all brought back fun memories!